Positivity. This is my current buzz word and one I am trying to get other Blues fans to think about using in contrast to the constant negativity on the messageboard. There's no doubt that a positive vibe from the fans particularly on matchdays, rubs off onto the players. Just listening to the Southampton and Leeds games you can tell what a positive effect that the crowd has which in turn transferred to the players. On the other hand when the crowd gets on the players backs the opposite occurs and it must make for an awful environment. Imagine sitting at your desk, trying to do your work and someone starts screaming in your ear whilst you are trying to concentrate. I know the argument is that fans are paying customers and entitled to their opinions but how can vocal criticism during the game help a player? The problem is not just a United issue as I noticed this week that Saracens rugby were top of the league and yet were booed by their fans, unbelievable.

I am warming to James Phillips on Radio Cumbria. No doubt his commentary is at a different level to Degsy as it is far easier to know which team has the ball. I do miss Degsy's gaffs! The United World service is the umbilical cord for us Exiled fans on matchdays as I found out to my cost when I could not get an internet connection during the Portsmouth game. Text updates are a killer. It's so stressful waiting for the bleep and then when it comes my heart stops whilst I open it. Mind you I wonder if James has had a ticking off after the Leeds match during which he asked if there was a brown envelope sticking out of the back pocket of the linesman!

The 1.2 million pound loss did not come as a surprise but I am more concerned that it may bring with it fear amongst our owners. I'm all for prudence and making efficiency savings but I really think we are missing a trick with our lack of creativity in the commercial sphere. This is in no way a criticism of the employees at the club who I know are really hard working and fully committed. We need to speculate to accumulate, be more creative with initiatives and not be afraid to get something wrong. The club are missing out on a major revenue stream by failing to set up a supporters' club which would generate for example an army of volunteers that could be used to assist. How many fans would be prepared to give up a couple of hours a week to do some telesales on match tickets? How many of the occasional fans just need a little nudge over the phone with an incentive attached? Although it is not the be all and end, it would significantly improve turnover if you get more people into Brunton Park. Once in they buy a pie, a beer, programme, etc and they might come back.

SO COME ON UNITED, LET'S PUT DIFFERENCES ASIDE AND SET UP A MEANINGFUL SUPPORTERS CLUB.

Simon Clarkson